Securement Hook

ABSTRACT

A securement hook is disclosed herein having five sides and allowing for multiple interior voids therein insertion and connection with hooks or loops, and combinations therein, for use in securement of a load during transit or any other use requiring a high strength compact securement device attachable to cables, ropes or straps.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/583,971 filed on May 1, 2017 (issuedas U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/040,388), which application also claimedpriority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/329,671 filed on Apr.29, 2016, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to create or develop the invention herein.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

According to AAA's Foundation for Traffic Safety, poorly secured loadsare responsible for more than 25,000 crashes and approximately 90fatalities in the USA each year. The person or entity tasked withcarrying a load is liable for any damage or destruction is resultingfrom the failure to properly secure a load.¹ 1.http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/pickup-trucks-how-to-transport-things/view-all

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

As disclosed, the Securement Hook is configured to engage the end of aloading strap which may be used to attach to, engage with or surround aload to improve the convenience and safety of hauling the load to besecured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of theSecurement Hook (hereinafter referred to simply as the “SecurementHook”) as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is top view of the Securement Hook disclosed herein along withdetailed call-outs for enablement of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the Securement Hook disclosed at FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the Securement Hook as disclosed at FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the Securement Hook asdisclosed at FIG. 1 engaged with a pair of J-hooks affixed to the end ofa load strap as found in the prior art for improved securement of aload.

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the Securement Hook asdisclosed at FIG. 1 engaged with the flat hook of a load strap as foundin the prior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 5A is a detailed perspective view of the Securement Hook as shownin FIG. 5 with particular focus on the second end of the securement hookengaged with a D-ring as found in the prior art for improved securementof a load.

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the Securement Hook as shown inFIG. 5 illustrating the flat hook engaged with the first side of theSecurement Hook which is shown attached to a D-ring as found in theprior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the Securement Hook as disclosedillustrating the flat hook having a strap connected therein and engagedwith the first side of the Securement Hook which is shown attached to aD-ring as found in the prior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 7A is a first side view of the Securement Hook as shown throughoutengaged between a D-ring and a pair of flat hooks having straps attachedtherein as found in the prior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 7B is a second side view of the Securement Hook as shown throughoutengaged between a D-ring and a pair of flat hooks having straps attachedtherein as found in the prior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the Securement Hook as shown throughoutengaged between a D-ring and a flat hook having straps attached thereinengaged with a ratchet system as found in the prior art for improvedsecurement of a load.

Appendix A is included herein and provides additional inventordisclosure and description for implementation including dimensions, asprovided by the inventor for inclusion herein, and may be claimed inwhole or in part, for its use in the implementation of the presentdisclosure, and is fully incorporated by reference herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—TABLE OF ELEMENTS Element Description ElementNumber Vertice A, B, C, D, E Lateral portion (first)  1 First end  2First side  3 Second side  4 Void—first  5a Void—second  5b Innerlateral  6 4^(th) side  7 Straight section  7a Jaw  7b 5^(th) side  8Straight section  8a Sweeping curve  8b Hook eye  8c Hook eye opening 8d Second end  9 Securement Hook 10 Strap 11 J-hook 12 Flat hook 13Ratchet 14 D-ring 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present Securement Hook is disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that the Securement Hook is not limited to specificmethods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used with at least one embodimentof the disclosed Securement Hook 10. These and other components aredisclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets,interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that whilespecific reference of each various individual and collectivecombinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for allpotential embodiments of the Securement Hook 10. This applies to allaspects of this application including, but not limited to, components ofa Securement Hook 10. Thus, if there are a variety of additionalcomponents that can be added it is understood that each of theseadditional components can be added with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the Securement Hook 10. The presentSecurement Hook 10 may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examplesincluded therein and to the Figures and their previous and followingdescription.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the securement hook (10) subject of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the shape of the securement hook (10) is generallydefined by five (5) vertices called out as A, B, C, D and E in FIG. 1 toform the outer perimeter of the securement hook (10). In geometry, avertex (plural: vertices or vertexes) is a point where two or morecurves, lines, or edges meet. As a consequence of this definition, thepoint where two lines meet to form an angle and the corners of polygonsand polyhedra are vertices. As shown, side AB forms a first lateral (1)portion and defines a first end (2) portion of the securement hook (10).In the embodiment shown, without restriction or limitation and forpurposes of enablement only, side AB (2) is 3.75 inches. The interior offirst lateral portion (1) is configured for engagement with the end of atie down or rachet strap (see FIGS. 4-8) having various ends includingwithout limitation a double “J” hook as shown at FIG. 4. Sides AC/BDform a first side (3) and a second side (4), respectively, and definethe sides of the securement hook (10). In the embodiment shown, withoutrestriction or limitation and for purposes of enablement only, side AC(3) is 3.75 inches. In the embodiment shown, without restriction orlimitation and for purposes of enablement, side BD (4) is 4.3 inches. Apair of inner voids (5 a, 5 b) are formed by inner lateral (6)connecting side AC (3) to BD (4). In the embodiment shown, withoutrestriction or limitation and for purposes of enablement only, innervoid 5 a is approximately 2.5 inches wide. In the embodiment shown,without restriction or limitation and for purposes of enablement only,inner void 5 b is approximately 1.5 inches wide. As shown, the innervoids (5 a, 5 b) are unequal in size due to the vertical position ofinner lateral (6) in relation to the sides (3, 4). One of ordinary skillwill appreciate other sizes for the inner voids (5 a, 5 b) may beselected by changing the position of inner lateral 6 in relation to thesides (3, 4). One benefit of having either first inner void (5 a) orsecond inner void (5 b) be of greater area than the other is to enable auser to use various strap ends having a larger profile or smallerprofile and or “double hooking” around the securement hook (10) tofacilitate securing a particular load or using a particular tie downstrategy or method. (See FIGS. 4-8) One of ordinary skill willappreciate the inner voids (5 a, 5 b) may be equally sized withoutdeparture from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further,one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the securement hook (10)could be formed without an inner lateral (6) without departure from thepresent disclosure. (Not shown)

Further as shown in FIG. 1, sides CE (7) and DE (8) form a second endportion (9) of the securement hook (10) with side CE (7) forming theouter portion of the 4^(th) side of the securement hook 10 and side DE(8) forming the outer portion of the 5^(th) side, each called out,respectively, as (7) and (8). In the embodiment shown, withoutrestriction or limitation and for purposes of enablement, side CE (7) isapproximately 4.5 inches. In the embodiment shown, without restrictionor limitation and for purposes of enablement, side DE (8) isapproximately 3.75 inches. Together, sides (7) and (8) form the 2^(nd)end of the securement hook (10). As shown in FIG. 1, side CE isgenerally made up of straight section (7 a) which then curves up to endat vertice E, resembling the lower portion of a jaw (7 b) of thesecurement hook (10). As shown in FIG. 1, side DE (8) is also made up ofa combination of straight and curved portions which has a generallylinear (straight) profile moving from vertice D to the opening betweenVertice E and side DE (8) which is generally called out as (8 a) inFIG. 1. Side DE then makes a sweeping curve back around before juttingup at Vertice E. This section is generally called out as (8 b). Thesweeping curve (8 b) forms an area that is generally exterior the sidesof the securement hook (10) while being generally surrounded. Applicantdefines the circular area interior of Vertice E as the hook eye (8 c).In use, the generally straight portion of side DE between vertice D andVertice E induces improved engagement with a D-ring (15) or otherholding structure to be inserted into the hook eye (8 c) by allowing forcontact with and sliding along side (8 a) and for delivery into andthrough the hook eye opening (8 d) into hook eye (8 c). In theembodiment shown throughout, without restriction or limitation and forpurposes of enablement only, the hook eye opening is approximately 0.60inches in diameter. The generally non-symetrical shape of the securementhook (10), particularly at sides CE and DE, provides for an offsetappearance to the securement hook (10), although the hook eye isgenerally positioned in the center of the securement hook (10). Asshown, the hook eye 8 c and hook eye opening (8 d) are sized to allowmost D-rings to be used with the securement hook 10 while minimizing theoverall profile of the securement hook 10. D-rings 15 typically have adiameter in the range of 0.25-0.55 inches. As shown, without limitationor restriction, the securement hook (10) is suitable for D-rings (15)having a diameter up to 0.55 inches.

It is contemplated that in the illustrative embodiment shown in theenclosed figures the Securement Hook 10 may be constructed of, but notlimited to, any metal or combination of metals including bronze, steeland aluminum; plastics or carbon fiber including Kevlar®, foam-blownpolyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, otherpolymers, other thermoplastics, carbon rubber, blown rubber polymers,composite materials, natural materials (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.),elastomers, combinations thereof, and/or any other material withsuitable characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, stability,elasticity, density). This particular embodiment of a securement hook(10) was fabricated from non-heat tempered steel (material grade 50)using laser cutting technology, which is well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that thesecurement hook (10) could constructed by any method known to those inthe art including via casting, forging and machining or stamping andpunching, without restriction or limitation. As supported by outsideparty testing, the securement hook (10) shown in FIGS. 1-8 has an almost3200 lb. breaking point. (See Appendix A submitted herein)

FIG. 4 provides a detailed perspective view of the Securement Hook (10)as disclosed throughout engaged with a pair of J-hooks (12) affixed tothe end of a load strap (11) as found in the prior art for improvedsecurement of a load (not shown). FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective viewof the Securement Hook (10) as disclosed at FIG. 1 engaged with the flathook (13) of a load strap (11) as found in the prior art for improvedsecurement of a load. (not shown)

FIG. 5A is a detailed perspective view of the securement hook (10) asshown in FIG. 5 with particular focus on the second end (9) of thesecurement hook (10) engaged with a D-ring (15) as found in the priorart for improved securement of a load. FIG. 5B is another perspectiveview of the securement hook (10) as shown in FIG. 5 illustrating theflat hook (13) engaged with the first side (1) of the securement hook(10) which is shown attached to a D-ring (15) as found in the prior artfor improved securement of a load.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the securement hook (10)disclosed herein is designed, fabricated and configured to work witheither or both flat hooks (13) and J-hooks (12) as shown but is in noway limited to working only with those particular types of strap endsattachment.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the securement hook (10) asdisclosed illustrating the flat hook (13) having a strap (11) connectedtherein and engaged with the first side (1) of the securement hook (10)which is shown attached to a D-ring (15) as found in the prior art forimproved securement of a load.

FIG. 7A is a first side view of the securement hook (10) as shownthroughout engaged between a D-ring (15) and a pair of flat hooks (13)having straps (11) attached therein as found in the prior art forimproved securement of a load. FIG. 7B is a second side view of thesecurement hook (10) as shown throughout engaged between a D-ring (15)and a pair of flat hooks (13) having straps (11) attached therein asfound in the prior art for improved securement of a load.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the securement hook (10) as shownthroughout engaged between a D-ring (15) and a flat hook (13) havingstraps (11) attached therein engaged with a ratchet system (14) as foundin the prior art for improved securement of a load. One of ordinary willappreciate that another beneficial feature of the securement hook (10)disclosed is its versatility and compatibility with prior art straps,rings and other means of securing loads.

Having described the preferred embodiments, other features of theSecurement Hook will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, aswill numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments asillustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the Securement Hook disclosed herein.Accordingly, the methods and embodiments pictured and described hereinare for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the presentdisclosure extends to all method and/or structures for providingincreased functionality, comfort, longevity, enjoyment and aesthetics inthe use and access of Securement Hooks and aesthetic controllablenatural lighting systems. Furthermore, the methods and embodimentspictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of theSecurement Hook and method of use unless so stated in the followingclaims.

It should be noted that the Securement Hook is not limited to thespecific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended toapply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the variousbenefits and/or features of a Securement Hook. Modifications andalterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilledin the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the SecurementHook. It is understood that the Securement Hook as disclosed hereinextends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individualfeatures mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/orinherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitutevarious alternative aspects of the Securement Hook and/or componentsthereof. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes knownfor practicing the Securement Hook and/or components thereof and willenable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are tobe construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permittedby the prior art.

While the Securement Hook has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to:Maters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operationalflow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in thespecification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A securement hook for load securement comprisinga body having a first side and a second side, the body defined by atleast five vertices lying in a single plane, wherein at least three ofthe vertices of the at least five vertices form a straight sectiontransitioning to a jaw section at one vertice of the trio, wherein thejaw section is curved towards the body to form and partially enclose ahook eye proximate the one vertice of the trio.
 2. The securement hookfor load securement according to claim 1 wherein the body is generallyflat.
 3. The securement hook for load securement according to claim 1wherein a pair of laterals are positioned in the body of the securementhook.
 4. The securement hook for load securement according to claim 1wherein a first lateral forms a first end of the body of the securementhook between a pair of vertices.
 5. The securement hook for loadsecurement according to claim 1 wherein a pair of voids are positionedin the body of the securement hook.
 6. The securement hook for loadsecurement according to claim 1 wherein a second lateral is positionedtherein to form a first void between the first lateral and the secondlateral wherein a second void is positioned interior of and adjacent thesecond lateral.
 7. The securement hook for load securement according toclaim 1 wherein the securement hooks are constructed so that a pluralityof the securement hooks may be positioned face to back for stackedstorage.
 8. The securement hook for load securement according to claim 2constructed so that a plurality of the securement hooks may bepositioned face to back for use to increase the amount of load that maybe secured.
 9. The securement hook for load securement according toclaim 1 constructed from metal.
 10. The securement hook for loadsecurement according to claim 2 constructed from metal.
 11. Thesecurement hook for load securement according to claim 1 constructedfrom metal using a laser cutter.
 12. The securement hook for loadsecurement according to claim 2 constructed from metal.
 13. A securementhook for load securement comprising: a) a generally flat body having afront side and a back side, the body further defined by a first vertice(A) and a second vertice (B), the first vertice (A) and the secondvertice (B) connected and defined by a first lateral to define a firstend of the body; b) a third vertice (C), wherein the third vertice (C)and the first vertice (A) are connected by a first side; c) a fourthvertice (D), wherein the fourth vertice (D) and the second vertice (B)are connected by a second side; d) a second lateral, the second lateralconnected to and between the first side and the second side, a firstvoid formed between the first lateral and the second lateral wherein asecond void is positioned interior of and adjacent the second lateral;and, e) a fifth vertice (E), the fifth vertice (E) formed at thejunction of a fourth side and a fifth side, the fourth side connectingthe third vertice (C) to the fifth vertice (E) and the fifth sideconnecting the fourth vertice (D) to the fifth vertice (E), wherein thefourth side is further comprised of a straight section adjacent thethird vertice (C) transitioning to a jaw section having a curved shapeadjacent the fifth vertice (E), wherein the fifth side has a straightportion proximate the fourth vertice (D) that transitions via a sweepingcurve portion proximate the fifth vertice (E) to form a hook eyeinterior the fifth vertice (E), wherein the fourth side is curvedtowards the fifth side to partially enclose the hook eye.
 14. Thesecurement hook for load securement according to claim 13 wherein thefifth vertice (E) is positioned below both the third vertice (C) and thefourth vertice (D).
 15. The securement hook for load securementaccording to claim 14 wherein the first side and the second side areopposite each other and generally parallel.
 16. The securement hook forload securement according to claim 15 wherein the first side and thesecond side are equal in length.
 17. The securement hook for loadsecurement according to claim 16 constructed from laser cut metal.